LZF Grants

Growing the Grassroots

An LZF grant is often the first step – a chance to turn a vision into a sustainable reality. Awarded to small, non-profit organizations with limited ability to raise other funds, general operating and program grants range between $1,000 and $20,000 per year. Grants may be renewed for up to five years.

How to Apply

View All Grantees

Our Impact Since 1995

27 years providing opportunity, safety, and equity

for thousands throughout Massachusetts

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grants awarded since our founding

Health Promotion and Accessibility for All

Organizing and Support for Immigrants & Refugees

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current grantees

Child and Youth Developement & Education

Civil and Human Rights Advocacy and Support

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million dollars given to community-based organizations dedicated to social justice (approximately)

Access to Food, Housing, and Economic Security

Violence Prevention, Criminal Justice Reform, and Family Outreach

The value of an LZF grant far exceeds the amount of a check.

LZF strengthens its grantees by providing a variety of learning opportunities and services that are usually unaffordable for smaller organizations.

Institutes

Free day-long conferences help current and former grant recipients to negotiate the challenges of the non-profit world.

Seminars

LZF frequently offers free, interactive seminars facilitated by experts in the field. Topics have included: Corporate Governance for Nonprofits, Learning About Donor Advised Funds, and Navigating Insurance Risks and Rewards.

Networking

The opportunity to meet and learn from other like-minded community leaders is one of the most valuable parts of the LZF grantee experience. The exchange of ideas, resources, and support creates lasting relationships and strong community ties.

Pro bono legal assistance

Legal assistance is often necessary and always expensive. Through our partners, DLA Piper and The Lawyers Clearinghouse, LZF can provide all current and former grantees with free or low-cost legal guidance.

Leadership counseling

Whether seeking advice on management, board development or donor stewardship, LZF staff members are always available to help grant recipients resolve problems and build confidence.

Access to experts

Board members, donors, and other supporters are eager to share their expertise with grant recipients.

How to Apply

The Lenny Zakim Fund makes grants for general operating purposes. All new applicants submit full proposals. After a preliminary review, LZF performs extensive due diligence by visiting every program that it considers and then makes final allocation decisions. All grant recipients must submit written and financial evaluations at the completion of each grant cycle.

Grant cycle 2023 is now closed. We will open for applications again for Grant Cycle 2024 in the summer of 2023.

Click here to sign up for communications about upcoming grant cycles

 

 

For questions, please contact Dominique Ramos at dramos@thelennyzakimfund.org